The information on this site is intended solely as a general educational aid and are neither medical nor health care advice for any individual problem, nor a substitute for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified health care provider.
Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Allergies
How To Tell if Baby Has Allergies
If baby always seems to have a cold they may be allergic. If baby’s nose is always stuffy or running and the mucus thin and clear, or if baby sneezes a lot, or has red itchy eyes, or has a dry cough chances are this is an allergic reaction. If you suspect baby has allergies take them to a doctor who will ask lots of questions and probably recommend a blood test or a skein test, which should give conclusive results over 18 months.
An allergy is a physical reaction to an allergen. A child can come into contact by touching it, breathing it, eating it, or having it injected. Baby reacts to it as a threat and releases histamines and other chemicals to fight it off. Common allergens are dust mites, pets, and moulds, down and feather pillows, chenille or wool blankets. Tobacco smoke can aggravate allergic symptoms.
An tendency towards allergies is often inherited. There is a 30 percent higher risk of your baby being allergic if you or your partner has allergies. If you both have allergies, the probability jumps to 60 percent, though your child may not develop the same ones you have. It can take time for an allergic reaction to develop, symptoms only appear once a threshold has been reached and suddenly there it is, a reaction right out of the blue.
Treatment
Reduce exposure to the allergen:
- Dust Mites - clean baby’s room thoroughly and place bedding in direct sunlight as this will kill dust mites.
- Wash stuffed animals at least once a week or stuff in freezer for 12 hours to kill the mites.
- Vacuum twice weekly.
- Pets - Wash your pet frequently with special shampoos from the vet, keep animal out of baby’s room. In severe cases you may need to give the animal away.
- Mould - Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of the house. Check wardrobes and other cupboards, under carpets and on curtains for tell-tale black spots.
Asthma
A chronic condition affecting breathing in which the airways become inflamed and fill with mucus when exposed to triggers such as a respiratory infection, cigarette smoke or an allergen. The body reacts to these stimuli by coughing in an attempt to clear the mucus. Small branches of the lungs spasm causing difficulty with breathing. Attacks can be life threatening in some situations.
Symptoms
Consistent coughing and wheezing, especially after exercise and at night. Tight feeling in chest. Genetic factors come into play here, if you or your partner suffer from respiratory problems baby is more likely too as well. Hard to detect in babies under 3 years as airways are so tiny wheezing could be caused by many factors. However after 3 if your toddler seems to be getting recurring symptoms mention it to the doctor. Keep a diary of symptoms to discuss with doctor. If your baby is displaying extreme symptoms; flaring nostrils, skin around ribs sucks in with each breath, is turning blue or is breathing too fast take baby to the hospital or ring 111.
Prevention
Limit likelihood of this occurring until baby is older and stronger by keeping away from likely triggers such as second hand smoke, dust mites, wood fires, animals, viral infections and certain allergen provoking foods such as eggs, nuts, shellfish and cow’s milk. Weather factors can also be a trigger as can stress or over excitement. Many children who have asthma in childhood will find it clears up in adulthood but they may still remain susceptible to alleges.
Treatment
See your doctor and work on a prevention strategy. Doctor will likely prescribe different types of treatment.
Relievers - stop an attack quickly, fast-acting aerosol bronchodilators relieve the spasm in the airway, making breathing easier. They open up the tubes by relaxing the tightened muscle. They don't have much effect on the swelling inside. Administer using either a metered dose inhaler with a tube and a face mask or a device called a nebulizer, both of which vaporise the medicine so that your baby can inhale it.
Preventers - prevent the attacks.
Preventers stop swelling and narrowing inside the breathing tubes and are taken every day to keep asthma under control. They must be taken exactly as your doctor advises. Preventers include anti-inflammatories, such as corticosteroids. In most cases a baby will not need to take medication on a regular basis but only when exposed to an asthma trigger.
Although exercise can trigger asthma it should be encouraged where possible as keeping fit can help asthma sufferers. Be sensible though monitor your child carefully and if unwell wait until better.
Alternative Treatments
For children with serious asthma it could be risky to take them off the usual prescribed treatment. Alternate treatments have not necessarily be tested as thoroughly as conventional treatments.
Chicken Pox
A contagious disease where itchy spots cover the whole body and then develop into small blister leaving scabs. Usually mild outbreaks in children but can be severe in adults. The illness is spread by direct contact or coughing and sneezing. Incubation period is usually 10 to 21 days. Generally infectious two days before the sores appear and until all the scabs have dropped off.
Babies
It can be severe in babies as there immune systems are still developing and they may have little resistance to the disease.
Symptoms
Headache, fever and itchy spots cover the whole body, they then develop into tiny blisters. As the spots appear the fever dies down. There may be some scaring. Keep clothing of natural fibres such as cotton and silk and keep nappies clean. Dress baby’s hands in cotton mittens to prevent scratching.
Colic
A common problem in babies aged from 10 days to 4 month colic makes babies irritable and they cry excessively with apparent abdominal pain. The crying episodes generally occur at the same time of day, usually late afternoon or evening. Excessive intake of air during feeding or when crying is thought to be the cause. Babies continue to eat normally and gain weight. Talk to your doctor if you are unable to cope or are worried about baby.
Constipation
Let baby’s bowels function naturally, bearing in mind that sensible feeding and plenty of kicking exercises are better then laxatives. As long as the motion is soft it is not important if the baby goes once or twice a day. Breast fed babies may retain a motion for up to five days but it still remains soft.
If bottle fed babies have irregular bullet-like motions which are hard to pass, their diet may need some adjustment. Check with you Plunket or public health nurse.
Temporary constipation is common during any illness and need cause no concern.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is where patches of thick flaky skin appear on the scalp, usually occurring from 3 months on. The scalp becomes greasy due to inflammation of oil glands and produces scales on the scalp. It can also affect eyebrows, behind the ears and in creases on baby’s skin. Best way to get rid of cradle cap is to rub almond oil (or similar) onto skin and leave for 15 minutes then massage gently with fingertips to remove. A soft brush can also be used. Wash hair as normal to remove oil residue. Over washing of baby’s hair will stimulate oil production so wash only a couple of times a week.
Croup
Croup is an infection in a baby's upper respiratory tract that swells the trachea and larynx (windpipe and voice box). Caused often by a flu virus which has a particular affinity for the throat area — in adults it causes laryngitis. Viral croup, usually a winter disease, affects mostly children ages 6 months to 3 years, though it can hit babies as young as 3 months old or younger. Croup can also be allergy related. Each episode will generally last 3-5 days. Croup is contagious to other babies so keep away from day care.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be a deep cough that sounds like a bark (due to small size of airways) an unmistakable sound leads to easy diagnosis. It often strikes during or after a bout with a traditional cold. Sometimes breathing can become difficult, fast, laboured or noisy. Most often occurs at night.
Dangers
Croup can be dangerous, especially in infants, because their airways are so small. If the swelling becomes too severe it can lead to serious breathing difficulties. Call your paediatrician if you suspect your baby has croup — even if it's the middle of the night.
One of the things your doctor will have you listen for is unusual breathing. If your baby had stridor (unusual breathing) when resting or sleeping go straight to hospital. This can indicate significant swelling of the trachea, which could be life threatening. In addition, if your baby seems to be struggling for breath or his lips or skin are turning blue, call 111 immediately.
Treatment
All children with croup should be seen by a doctor at least for diagnosis. Each croup occurrence is different so do not hesitate to call the doctor if home remedies do not work straight away. For simple non life-threatening cases steam is the best remedy. Take your baby into the bathroom in which you have been filling a bath with hot water and stay in there for 15 -20 minutes. Alternately try keeping a kettle boiling continuously near but out of arms length from baby. The safest option is to get a mist steam maker from the chemist.
Babies who get croup once are likely to get it again in the first three years due to the size of their airways. Best advice is to stay calm as this will help baby to get over the episode more quickly, this is a frightening thing to happened to baby. Some babies like to be kept in an upright position as this facilitates breathing. Try putting them to sleep in their car seat.
As croup is caused by a virus or an allergy antibiotics will not help. Don't use cough medicine. If baby needs medicine let the doctor prescribe it, oral steroids may be of some use if the steam treatment does not work. Paracetamol can be used to keep fever in check.
Diarrhoea
This is the frequent passage of loose motions. In breast fed babies this need cause no alarm providing the stool is not offensive.
Diarrhoea may be accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting or colic, indicating a gastro-intestinal infection. It may also be indicative of other infections, e.g. ear infection.
Treatment
Give baby plenty of fluids and change nappies immediately they are soiled. Wash buttocks with soap and water and protect them with lanoline, silicone or zinc ointment. If diarrhoea is persistent, you should call a doctor.
Ear Infections
An infection of the middle ear it usually occurs where a viral or bacterial infection is present. Inflammation occurs when fluid collects in the ear. Common in babies and children because of the small size of the Eustachian tube. Do not feed your baby lying down.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include irritability, playing with one or both ears, temperature and vomiting. Earache causes prolonged crying. Earache or discharge from the ear must never be regarded lightly. Keep warm and give fluids.
Treatment
See your doctor as soon as you suspect your baby of having an ear infection as infections left unchecked can lead to permanent damage.
Eczema
Eczema is fairly common among children in New Zealand and shows up as scaly red patches on baby’s skin. Thought to be a reaction to substances found in the environment it is difficult to cure. Eczema is often inherited from other family members so if there is a history of allergies in your family be on the lookout for eczema.
Treatment
Limit bathing of your baby to three times a week to keep skin from drying out, alternatively, use a soap product that is not petroleum based (i.e., glycerine). Pat skin dry and apply moisturiser straight away. Keep clothing light and use natural fabrics such as cotton and silk which will allow skin to breathe. Keep nails short and put baby in thin cotton mittens which are readily available. Scratching can lead to infection and can further irritate skin. In severe cases doctors may recommend a hydrocortisone cream on the affected areas or a short course of oral steroid medicine can help get eczema under control.
Triggers
Eczema may be linked to food allergies so be cautious of foods such as cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts and fish. If you are feeding watch your intake of these foods as well. If your child is already eating these foods your doctor may suggest you try an elimination diet whereby you stop giving each type of food for a period of time to see if the situation improves. Other allergies may include pollen, dust mites, and proximity to animals. If this is the case you may need to find more efficient ways of vacuuming and dusting, using air filters, and possibly getting rid of carpets and upholstered furniture.
N.B.
Skin products can irritate pre-existing eczema, there are many products that are specially manufactured for sensitive skin and your chemist should be able to advise you which are the best ones for baby. Also be careful with your laundry and use sensitive wash powders.
Measles
An infectious illness which mostly affects children. It is a virus. It is spread by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing. Between 10 and 14 days after infection with the virus, symptoms will start to show.
Symptoms
Initially they will include fever, weakness, loss of appetite and sticky or itchy eyes. The child may have a blocked nose and may lose their voice, have a bad cough and be unable to tolerate bright light. By the third day, tiny white/blue spots will appear on the inside of the mouth. They may have a fine red circle around them. After this, a blotchy rash appears. The rash usually starts behind the ears, and then spreads to the face, the torso and then the arms and legs.
Treatment
Keep your child away from siblings and others, put them to bed and see your doctor.
Meningitis
An infection by a virus or bacteria inflames the membranes lining the brain and nervous system. There are several different forms of meningitis. The forms that are caused by bacteria are more serious than those caused by viruses. Meningococcal meningitis is now a common form of meningitis. Meningitis is most common in winter months and is spread through coughing, sneezing and having contact with an infected person, but it is not as infectious as colds or flu. The illness strikes within three days to one week after infection. A person is contagious to 10 days after the start of the illness.
Symptoms
Symptoms include vomiting, irritability, a stiff neck, a very high temperatures, extreme paleness, lack of appetite, a bulging fontanelle, light sensitivity, and a rash. Early diagnosis is important! If you wait until the rash appears 25% of the time you will be too late. You must contact your doctor with the utmost urgency if you suspect that someone may have meningitis.
If my baby has meningitis, how do I know how serious it is?
If a doctor suspect baby of having meningitis he/she will do a lumbar puncture, also know as a spinal tap. This entails baby lying on its side in the fetal position, knees bent and pulled up very still so the doctor can put a needle in his back. Less traumatic than it sounds, a small hollow needle enters the space between the vertebrae and draws a little spinal fluid for testing. The doctor will also take blood and urine samples.
Instant diagnosis is possible, or at the latest a few hours based on he blood test. The spinal tap is necessary to ascertain whether it is viral or bacterial and may take three days. Doctors will start treatment immediately however.
Treatment
For viral meningitis Baby’s immune system will usually neutralise the virus fairly quickly but doctors will probably keep baby in for observation just for safety. Treatment usually follows that as for influenza, with rest, plenty of fluids, pain relief and lots of TLC.
Bacterial meningitis
Doctors need to administer strong doses of antibiotics and will have to spend at least a couple of weeks in hospital connected to an IV. In spite of being an overwhelming experience for those involved this cure works approximately 85 percent of the time provided the illness is diagnosed early enough for the antibiotics to take effect.
ANY DELAY IN TREATING BACTERIAL MENINGITIS PUTS BABY AT RISK OF DEAFNESS, MENTAL RETARDATION OR EVEN DEATH!
Is it contagious?
Bacteria that cause meningitis are already present some health children and adults. Higher than normal risk babies are those with abnormal immune systems or sickle-cell disease, babies who've had serious head injuries or lots of exposure to cigarette smoke and a history of lung infections. Babies under the age of 2 are more susceptible than older children are because their immune systems are still developing.
Some babies contract a particularly virulent strain of meningitis during birth if the mother is infected with bacteria. Pregnant women are tested for this an if infected baby is given antibiotics at birth and observed in hospital for the first few weeks.
For other family members the good news is that meningitis is usually not nearly as contagious as the flu. Only those in very close contact with the sick child (parents, siblings) need to be more careful than normal. Wash hands in hot water after contact.
Is it preventable?
A new vaccine called MeNZB™ has been developed to help protect children and young people in New Zealand against the strain of Meningococcal B disease that is causing an epidemic in this country. Health authorities are recommending all young people from the ages of 6 months to 19 years are vaccinated.
For more information and further information on the dangers on meningoccal diseases visit this website: Ministry of Health
Mumps
Mumps is a virus, and therefore contagious. It mainly affects the mouth and throat. The incubation period is 17 to 28 days.
Symptoms
Swelling occurs around the face and neck, below ears and underneath the chin. There will also be a dry mouth. Usually begins on one side with the other appearing a day or two later. It can cause swollen, painful testicles in boys or lower abdominal pain in girls. Give plenty of fluids and encourage rinsing the mouth to alleviate dryness.
Treatment
Contact your doctor.
Nappy Rash
This is a rash on the buttocks involving the region covered by the nappy. Prevention is by frequent nappy changes.
Treatment
Leave the baby to lie in the sun with buttocks exposed (be careful not to sunburn) and protect by a suitable ointment at night.
Eczema and thrush may also appear as a rash in the nappy area. Consult your doctor.
Poisons
Get whatever it is away from baby straight away and have them spit any residue from their mouth. Keep a sample for doctors.
Do not try to make your child vomit. If your child has swallowed a strong acid such as toilet bowl cleaner, or a strong alkali such as drain or oven cleaner, vomiting may cause further injury by bringing the burning substance back up through your child's throat and mouth.
Call emergency services if these symptoms are visible:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe throat pain
- Burns on the lips or mouth
- Convulsions or unconsciousness
- Extreme sleepiness
National telephone number:
0800 poison (0800 764 766)
National Poison Centre
Department of Preventative and Social Medicine
University of Otago, Dunedin.
Phone - 24 hrs - (03) 474 7000
Website:Ministry of Health
If child is not seriously ill, call the poison centre for advise on how to treat your child. Experts at the poison centre need to know your child's approximate weight, any medical conditions he may have, any medications he may be taking, and as much information about the substance he has swallowed as you can give. If possible, have the container with you when you make the call. The poison centre may need to know the ingredients listed on the label.
What if my child gets poison on his skin?
Remove clothing and rinse skin with lukewarm water. Continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes. Call the poison centre for more advice.
Toxic substance in child's eye?
Flush the eye with lukewarm water. Wrap your child tightly in a towel or a blanket to minimise movement hold under one arm. Flush the eye by pouring lukewarm water gently into the inner corner. Try to hold your baby's eyelids open or get him to blink. Reassure your child while you continue flushing the eye for 15 minutes. Then call the poison centre.
Toxic fumes?
Get your child into the fresh air as quickly as possible. If your child isn't breathing, start resuscitation, call 111 and continue resuscitation.
Reflux
A gastro-oesophageal reflux is where the valve at the bottom end of the oesophagus is not closing properly after swallowing. This valve holds the food in the stomach and stops stomach acids washing back. The acids in the oesophagus can cause unpleasant pain. Difficult to diagnose doctors will sometimes prescribe anti-reflux medicine to improve the situation on a trial basis. If you are not breastfeeding, there are special milk formulae for babies with reflux.
Seizures/Convulsions
When the brain’s nerve cells increase their action causing the brain to momentarily malfunction Seizures occur. Birth defects, nerve damage or an injury to the brain or nervous system are thought to be the causes of seizures. In young children they are quite harmless between 1-5 years old. Toddlers holding their breath after a crying fit can also lead in some cases to a seizure.
Epilepsy
If your child has had two or more seizures that were not caused by fever, head trauma, or breath holding, she may have epilepsy.
Symptoms
A vacant or unresponsive look about your child, or an involuntary twitching are signals of a mild seizure which usually last from few seconds to a couple of minutes. A more serious seizure is signalled by the following behaviours, a black out, falling to the floor, and twitching. This will probably last two to three minutes,
Dangers
If it lasts longer than five minutes it is advisable to call a doctor or 111 as a seizure that lasts 10 minutes may cause damage to the brain. rare cases they last longer, and she may lose bowel and bladder control. Keep in mind that there are many different types of seizures and that they can last anywhere from a few moments to more than half an hour.
Treatment
Turn baby onto their side to prevent choking from saliva, clear saliva away from mouth to keep airways clear. Keep away from dangerous objects and put on a blanket on the floor if moving a lot or on the bed. Watch baby is not in danger of falling of however. If seizures are forming an ongoing pattern your doctor may get you to videotape one to ascertain the best treatment for your child.
Whooping Cough
A highly contagious respiratory disease caused by bacteria. It is recognised by severe coughing fits which are followed by a whooping sound. Babies under two are most at risk from this disease although immunisation will help prevent an outbreak.
Symptoms
Similar to a cold but after about 10 days leads to excessive coughing which may impede baby’s ability to eat, drink and breath. Strikes about one week after infection and lasts about six weeks. Can lead to pneumonia, seizures and brain damage.
Treatment
Contact your doctor as soon as possible.
CHILD IMMUNISATION
Immunisation is the use of vaccines to protect your child against particular diseases caused by bacteria or viruses.
What are vaccines?
Vaccines contain a weak form of the virus which fools the body into thinking it has the infection and it then works hard to build up resistance to it.
How do they work?
When a virus enters the body for the first time the immune system takes some time to learn how to fight it during which time the body becomes ill. When the body has learned how to control it and fight it using antibodies and the body becomes well again. During this time we become ill, but if the antibodies can control the organism we recover. The immune system remembers the organism that attacked us, and if it enters our body again antibodies are produced more quickly preventing illness.
Why is it necessary?
If your child has the antibodies for many childhood diseases in their systems when they are exposed to a virus they stand a better chance of fighting the disease and if they do get sick they only get a mild form of the disease. This means the number of children that die of infectious diseases is reduced.
Breastfeeding and immunity
Mothers pass on many antibodies to their babies when they breastfeed and keeps baby protected from many diseases. It does not protect against diarrhoea, vomiting, coughs and colds.
Is immunisation safe?
Vaccines are rigorously tested before being used and are an effective solution to the problem of infectious diseases. Some children may have a minor reaction to immunisation, in rare cases severe allergic reactions can occur but your doctor is trained to deal with situations such as these. The risk of catching the disease is far greater than the risk of immunisation.
When is immunisation not appropriate?
In some cases immunisation is not advisable:
- If baby is having treatment for a medical condition.
- If baby has a serious disease
- If baby has had an allergic reaction to immunisations before
- If baby has recently had other vaccinations or blood treatment
- If baby is unwell on the day scheduled for vaccination -in which case reschedule for a few days later
Children born after January 1995 will need an immunisation certificate when they enrol at kindergarten or and early childhood centre or at primary school you will be asked to produce this. This is checked if there by a health professional if there is a severe outbreak of a contagious disease in your area. Non-immunised children may have to stay at home to prevent the disease from spreading.
The New Zealand immunisation schedule from 2003 is:
6 weeks and 3 months
DTaP-IPV (Diphtheria - Tetanus - acellular Pertussis -Inactivated Polio Vaccine) + Hib/HepB (Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) - Hepatitis B)
5 months
DTaP-IPV + HepB
Children of Hepatitis B positive mothers also need an extra dose of Hepatitis B vaccine plus immune globulin at birth.
15 months
MMR (Measles - Mumps - Rubella) vaccine + DTaP/Hib (Diphtheria - Tetanus - acellular Pertussis - Haemophilus influenzae type b)
at age 4 to 5 years prior to school entry
MMR + DTaP-IPV
11 years
Td (adult-type tetanus - diphtheria)
Td boosters at 45 and 60 years of age or after an injury if it is more than five years since the last booster.
BCG is given at birth to babies living in households with people who have, or have had tuberculosis (TB) or there are immigrants from countries where TB is common.
Vaccine key
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B (HepB), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Tetanus-diphtheria - adult (Td), Adsorbed Diptheria, Tetanus (ADT).
Additional vaccines for special groups:
Premature babies: refer to IMAC; see Handbook.
Birth: BCG vaccine for "at risk" babies. Hepatitis B vaccine plus hepatitis B immune globulin for infants of hepatitis B carrier mothers.
**Annual influenza vaccination for adults and children from age 6 months with certain chronic medical conditions - (refer to IMAC)
*11 year olds: who have not yet had four polio (IPV) vaccination doses should be offered a catch-up IPV (IPOL).
Women of childbearing age who are susceptible to rubella should be offered MMR.
Further information and support
Your doctor, Plunket nurse, local immunisation coordinator or the public health unit at your local public hospital are all available to give you any further information about immunisation..
Full information on all vaccines is available from the following groups and organisations:
Ministry of Health Manatu Hauora
Box 5013
Wellington
Tel (04) 496 2000
fax (04) 496 2340
website
Immunisation Advisory Centre
University of Auckland
Tel 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)
website Immunisation
Material sourced from the Ministry of Health Immunisation Handbook (2002).
Circumcision
Circumcision is a process whereby the foreskin which shields the head of the penis is removed. This usually takes place in the first few days or weeks after birth. People opt for circumcision because of religious beliefs, others due to health concerns.
Whether to circumcise
Circumcision is a personal decision, medical evidence is not clear cut as to which option is best. Complications are possible although rare. Wait until premature babies or other at-risk newborns are stronger. If you want to go ahead talk to your delivering practitioner about it.
What are the pros and cons?
Circumcision does make it easier to keep the penis clean, though washing the area under the foreskin thoroughly achieves the same result. Arguments against circumcision include the fact that the procedure is not medically necessary. Some parents believe circumcision is a form of mutilation that's painful and emotionally harmful to a child.
Teething
When will my baby start getting teeth?
First teeth will generally appear between 4 and 7 months of age. Teething patterns tend to be hereditary, so this can affect when your baby will begin to get teeth. This is a big milestone in baby’s development so mark the occasion. Teeth start developing while in the womb, the tooth buds form one at a time over a period of months. Bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides going back. By baby’s 3rd birthday a full set of 20 baby teeth should be in place which should start to fall out once permanent teeth are ready to come in, around age 6.
Symptoms of teething?
Most babies are irritable and dribble a lot for weeks before the first tooth comes to the surface. The gums becomes swollen and inflamed as the teeth push through them . Baby not want to feed as this brings more blood to the swollen areas, making them especially sensitive. Rub gums before a feeding to desensitise. Baby will start to gnaw on things from 3 months. A change in stools may occur as baby is swallowing more saliva than normal and a low grade fever may be due to inflammation of the gums. Cheeks may appear redder than normal and a rash may appear on chin and lip due to the dribbling.
How can I help baby?
Teething rings that can go in the fridge are excellent as they soothe baby as well as providing something to gnaw on. If baby is on solids cold foods are also helpful. Teething biscuits can also give baby something to gnaw. Oral analgesics can be used sparingly as can baby’s pain relief preparations.
Caring for baby’s teeth
Keep them clean. In the first 12 months clean teeth and gums with a face cloth. Try to avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle as milk can pool in baby’s mouth and cause decay. From 18 months baby may be able to start to learn how to brush their teeth. A special toothbrush and toothpaste are best and just aim in the beginning to get food particles out. Make sure baby has a healthy diet with limited sweet foods and drinks.
Toilet Training
The No. 1 rule with toilet training is: Stay Positive. (It helps if you realise that it is extremely unlikely your child will be the only one starting school still wearing nappies.)
Some children will willingly sit on the potty but show little enthusiasm for anything more.
Sometimes a little encouragement will help a child make progress. Even if it doesn’t… stay relaxed, hard as that may be. Pushing a child may result in a negative reaction to the whole process. If baby says no after a couple of weeks of trying with the potty put it away for a few weeks and this will break negative patterns on both sides. You will both enjoy the break!
How to Begin
Don't expect your child to make the connection between sitting on the potty and actually using it. This is a real learning curve for some babies. Just to sit on the potty is good. If baby urinates there will be a connection eventually, this may be hastened by the shouts of whoopee from delighted parents. Don’t get frustrated if it takes a few weeks or even months, it will happen! First just have him sit on the potty for a few minutes at regular intervals. If he urinates while he's sitting, he'll make the connection himself, and after a while he'll figure out how it feels when he needs to go. Some children put all of this together in a matter of days, but others take much longer (weeks, or even months). Don't worry if your child falls into the latter group.
Accidents
Be mature, this is not an easy concept to grasp for littlies. Be matter-of-fact as possible. Punishment rarely succeeds here and will only end up confusing your child. Accidents are a normal part of the process, and most children will continue to have them for some time after they've been trained. If accidents happen regularly though, you should talk to a Plunket nurse or doctor.
Bedwetting
Again be as matter-of-fact as possible and be prepared with clean pyjamas and sheets so baby stays used to the feeling of dry pyjamas and bedding. Many children wet the bed until the age of six so this is quite normal even in a child who is trained during the day. Avoid giving child pre bedtime drinks and make sure they have the bulk of their liquids before 4 PM. Do not put pressure on your child or punish them, toilet training is a developmental skill not a behavioural issue so encourage a positive attitude in your child by being positive yourself.
Older children
The child can be too embarrassed to go to sleepovers or to camp. Wetting the bed can also damage the child's self-esteem, especially if parents blame him or her. Though kids may have the occasional "accident" up to about age 5, children who are still wetting the bed on a regular basis after that probably have nocturnal enuresis. Nocturnal enuresis is very common in older children. About 20 percent 3 percent of 12-year-olds. What many parents do not realize is that bedwetting is treatable.
Teasing
Making matters worse, siblings can tease. Any teasing from siblings needs to be stopped in its tracks. Simply don’t allow it.
Say something like, “Sam wets the bed just like I did when I was a child. Someday he’ll stay dry all night, but right now he can’t help it. Teasing only makes him feel bad and I won’t allow it.” Use a consequence, if you need to. One mother gave a percentage of the sibling’s allowance to her child every time the sibling called him a bedwetter. She reports that it stopped the teasing quickly.
Star Charts
A special chart or calendar is made and the child puts a sticker on each dry night achieved. The child receives praise for each dry night achieved and some suggest that after an agreed number of dry nights they receive a reward. Star charts emphasise the child's achievements rather than the failures and they provide a record of progress. One way is to start small. A reward after 3 dry nights in a row, then a full week, followed by a fortnight dry. The last chart should be a very special reward for a full month dry. By that stage the bedwetting should be overcome except for the odd 'accident.'
